It was originally written in 2006[1] by Downsize DC, a non-profit organization focused on decreasing the size of the federal government.
The bill is aimed at limiting the size and growth of the federal government.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated his support for it in November 2010.
Unlike the Downsize DC proposal, this bill is supported by ReadTheBill.org (part of the Sunlight Foundation) with the primary aim to increase transparency in government.
The Senate version differs in a few ways, including a requirement to have the Congressional Budget Office provide an evaluation of the proposed legislation.